All posts by Amy Kessler

Extended Early Bird Savings! Minimise Summer Learning Loss

Australia, Specials, , ,

For many students, three months away from school can lead to measurable learning loss in critical academic skills. This is especially true for students who struggle with reading, comprehension, or maths.

 


Students of all ages and learning abilities can spend part of their summer at our learning centre and turn what could have been a learning loss, into a learning gain.



Our research-validated instruction allows students to make years of academic growth in just a few weeks. Your child can go back to school feeling successful.


To get your family started, we are extending our special Early Bird Discount. Save 5% on your first week of summer instruction when you schedule by 19 October, 2018!


Contact your local learning centre to take advantage of this special offer!

 

Double Bay (02) 9328 7119 | Chatswood (02) 9410 1006

Dyslexia Awareness Month: Resources

Dyslexia, ,

 

“We believe that all individuals can be taught to read to their potential—including those with a previous diagnosis of dyslexia.”

– Nanci Bell

 

 

Lindamood-Bell students and their families talk about their dyslexia diagnosis, and describe how their reading ability has changed. This video includes information about a recent independent study examining the effectiveness of our instruction with dyslexic students.

Guinevere Eden, Ph.D. Director of the Center for the Study of Learning at Georgetown University

 

 

Dr. Eden discusses her work as a neurologist and a reading researcher. She talks about the dyslexic brain, the evolution of fMRI brain scans, her current research initiatives.

 

 

Average Age: 10

Average Hours of Instruction:  113

Number of Students: 1,676

 

On average, students with Dyslexia who received Seeing Stars instruction achieved significant improvements in reading. Get a summary of results.

 

 

Exciting research from the Institute for Learning and Brain Sciences, University of Washington, was recently published in the journal Nature Communications.

 

The study examined growth in reading skills and white matter in dyslexic students. Download a summary and access the full research article.

 

New Hope for Individuals with Dyslexia

Dyslexia, ,

We believe that all individuals can be taught to read to their potential—including those who have a previous diagnosis of dyslexia.

 

 

Is Dyslexia Permanent?

Exciting new research, titled “Rapid and widespread white matter plasticity during an intensive reading intervention,” was recently published in the journal Nature Communications.

 

The study, from the Institute for Learning and Brain Sciences, University of Washington (UW), examined growth in reading skills and white matter in school-aged, struggling readers. Diffusion MRI data collected during 8 weeks of Lindamood-Bell intensive instruction indicates that there were large-scale changes in white matter along with growth in reading skills. In addition, the study identifies white matter tracts that may predict the ease with which a child learns how to read.

 

 

Dr. Jason Yeatman, one of the study’s researchers, says that although dyslexia is often thought of as permanent, the findings indicate that the targeted, intensive instruction leads to “substantial” improvements in reading skills and changes in the “underlying wiring of the brain’s reading circuitry.” Read more and access the full article here.

 

Improved symbol imagery changes how a student reads and spells, regardless of their age or struggle with literacy—including those with a previous diagnosis of dyslexia.

 

Numerous peer-reviewed articles based on studies examining the effectiveness of our instruction with dyslexic students have been published in scholarly journals – Summary of Behavioral & Neurological Research—Dyslexia

 

Our Experience and Results

Over the course of three decades, Lindamood-Bell has worked with thousands of individuals. Sitting with a child or an adult who struggles to read a word provides unique insight into the learning process. Our success with students is due to our unique approach, including our research-validated, sensory-cognitive instruction.

 

The Seeing Stars program addresses the learning needs of many of our students with dyslexia. Seeing Stars develops symbol imagery, the ability to visualize letters in words. Symbol imagery is integral to independence in sounding out new words, recognizing common words, spelling, and fluent contextual reading.  

 

Students with dyslexia who receive Seeing Stars instruction at our learning centers make significant improvements in reading. Our most recent  Learning Center Results includes data for 1600+ students who had previously been diagnosed with dyslexia. These students made significant standard score changes on nearly all measures, including word recognition, spelling and reading accuracy. The 30-point percentile increase in word attack put these students well within the normal range, going from the 25th–75th percentile.

 

Schools partner with Lindamood-Bell for our expertise in meeting the needs of students with dyslexia. A recent case study, Solutions for Dyslexia | Spotlight on Fort Smith Public Schools outlines a district-wide professional development initiative.

 

For further information or questions regarding our instruction for students with a previous diagnosis of dyslexia, please contact us at 800.300.1818.

The Imagery-Language Foundation for Maths

Australia, Math,

Many students can grasp addition and subtraction problems using maths manipulatives. But take away the concrete objects and their understanding seems to disappear.

 

Manipulatives are a very helpful visual representation, but maths students of all ages need to learn to visualise what numbers mean as well.

 

Mathematics is cognitive processing, or thinking, that requires both imagery and language. Imagery is fundamental to the process of thinking with numbers.

 

The primary cause of maths difficulties is a weakness in two areas: numeral imagery—the ability to visualise numbers—and concept imagery—the ability to process the gestalt (whole) from language. Individuals who demonstrate weaknesses in these areas often attempt to memorise maths facts instead of being able to think, reason, and problem solve with numbers.

 

People who are great at maths can easily visualise maths functions. The language of numbers turns into imagery and they “see” mathematical relationships. However, many individuals may experience an inability to image the concepts underlying maths processes. This causes weakness in the following:

 

  • Learning maths facts
  • Grasping mathematical relationships
  • Following proper mathematical operations
  • Solving word problems
  • Estimating numerical values
  • Understanding higher level maths

The following excerpt from On Cloud Nine® Maths by Nanci Bell and Kimberly Tuley, explains the importance of both concept and numeral imagery:

 

“To bring concept and numeral imagery to a conscious level as the missing link in maths instruction, On Cloud Nine integrates and applies the principles of Bell’s programs: Visualizing and Verbalizing for Language Comprehension and Thinking™ (V/V®) and Seeing Stars®: Symbol Imagery for Phonological and Orthographic Processing in Reading and Spelling (SI). As individuals become familiar with the concrete manipulatives, they are questioned and directed to consciously transfer the experienced to the imaged. They image the concrete and attach language to their imagery. The integration of imagery and language is then applied to computation. They develop the sensory-cognitive processing to understand and use the logic of mathematics in mental and written computation.”

 

 

The On Cloud Nine® Maths program stimulates an individual’s ability to image and verbalise the concepts underlying maths processes. Concept and numerical imagery are integrated with language and applied to maths computation and problem solving. There is emphasis on both mathematical reasoning and mathematical computation.

 

Explore our maths instruction, including Learning Centre results, here.

 

Educators: Find out how you can learn the steps of the On Cloud Nine® Program in one of our acclaimed professional development workshops, and teach your students how to “see” maths, here.

Lucky the Robot helps teachers and students learn!

For Schools, Professional Development

The Lindamood-Bell Instruction Robot, Lucky, brings on-site support to the classroom in a unique and cost-effective way.  After teachers attend a professional development workshop, Lucky provides live coaching, step demonstration, and help with lesson planning. Engaging and fun, Lucky helps capture the attention of students, too.

 

One district using Lucky is Spartanburg County School District 2 in South Carolina. 40 district staff attended Lindamood-Bell workshops in language and literacy programs. After the workshops, Lindamood-Bell, via Lucky, provided 180 hours of job-embedded professional development to teachers. Telepresence coaching included step demonstration and assistance in administration and oversight of small-group instruction. Watch their video about the experience:

 

 

“This ‘robot’ is actually cutting-edge technology that is giving our Exceptional Students access to new methods to help them learn. Thanks to federal funds, Spartanburg Two was the first District in the state with this technology and it was a big hit with students and teachers alike!”

–Spartanburg County School District 2

 

For more information, call 800.233.1819 or Contact Us.

When Your Reader Struggles: What May Be Missing

Decoding, Instruction,

When a student struggles with reading, extra help typically focuses on sounding out words and spelling rules. Unfortunately, after months of hard work and frustration, many students continue to struggle with grade level text.

 

Perhaps they can sound out words but it is slow and labored. They may take so long to sound out the word that they miss the meaning of the text altogether. Or, they may substitute words when reading a paragraph. For example, they may read ‘production’ instead of ‘perfection.’

 

For many individuals, even those who have received extensive reading instruction, recognizing common words remains difficult. They may attempt to use phonics strategies for most words—such as reading  /pee/ /oh/ /plee/ for the word ‘people.’ When they finally conquer a word, they might not recognize that same word when they encounter it in the next paragraph.

 

What is the missing connection for these students?

 

An important aspect of reading and spelling is symbol imagery, which is the foundation of  oral (phonological) and written (orthographic) language processing. Symbol imagery is the ability to create mental representations (imagery) for the sounds and letters (symbols) within the words. This connection of imagery and language is necessary for sounding out new words, as well as quickly recognizing letters and common words.

 

Students who read fluently, and are able to self-correct their errors, have strong symbol imagery.

 

Traditional literacy instruction focuses on how to sound out words, as well as reading and spelling rules. While these activities have value, they do not create the imagery-language connection. They do not change how a student is processing language. This is why reading may still be difficult for your child.

 

At Lindamood-Bell, we believe that symbol imagery is the first and most important sensory input for literacy. During instruction, our teachers use language that brings imagery to consciousness for our students. Rather than asking, “How do you spell ‘top’?”, we ask, “What letters do you see for ‘top’?”, this simple but carefully phrased question directly and explicitly simulates imagery.

 

Improved symbol imagery changes how a student reads and spells, regardless of their age or struggle with literacy—including those with a previous diagnosis of dyslexia.

 

If you have concerns about your child’s reading, get in touch with our learning center to get started: 800-300-1818.

Enrol Now! Summer Programs for Reading, Comprehension, and Maths

Australia, Learning Centers, , , , ,

Summer learning at Lindamood-Bell is individualised to meet the learning needs of each student in a short amount of time. Because it’s one-to-one, we’ll only spend time on what your child needs.

 

We’ll start with a learning evaluation to uncover the strengths and weaknesses that affect academic performance. In a results consultation, we will recommend a summer learning plan that will make a difference for your child.

 

What could your child learn this summer? Read on for typical areas of focus.

 

Reading

Strong readers recognise common words and can sound out unfamiliar words easily. This makes reading at grade level or above easy, and not a chore.

 

Students who are currently struggling can learn to read to their potential this summer. We identify why reading is hard for each student and spend a few weeks developing the skills they need to become a better reader. Learn about our approach.

 

Early Learning

If your child is still learning to read, a few weeks at our learning centre can make a difference. Emerging readers can work on the basics that will make the transition to kindergarten or first grade a breeze. We strengthen the imagery-language foundation for reading, spelling, and comprehension. Learn about how we help young learners here.

 

Comprehension

Do words “go in one ear and out the other” for your child? This is more common than you’d think. Weak concept imagery—the ability to image a gestalt (whole)—may be the cause. Weakness in concept imagery interferes with reading and listening comprehension, memory, oral vocabulary, critical thinking, and writing.

 

There are individual differences in the ability to visualise language—a key to good comprehension skills. We will teach your child how to “see movies when they read,” so they will get the big picture. Improving this skill will make many aspects of school easier. Learn more about how we develop comprehension here.

 

Maths

Does your child “hate” maths? People who are good at maths can visualise math concepts. The language of numbers turns into imagery and they “see” mathematical relationships. We can teach your child how to think with numbers. Learn how we solve maths “problems” here. Individuals of all ages can learn to do and enjoy maths!

 

Academic Prep

Academic Prep is an enrichment program for students ready to advance in areas like writing, study skills, organisation, and test taking. Students benefit from our expertise in learning and cognition. One-to-one programs are tailor-made to address the academic needs of your child—and get them excited about the coming school year!

 

 

 

 

How long is a summer program?

Instruction is based on individual learning needs. Programs are typically 4-6 weeks.

 

Which program should we do?

A learning ability evaluation will identify your child’s strengths and weaknesses that may be affecting school. In a results consultation, we will recommend an individualised instruction plan that will change your child’s learning.

 

Is this for students with learning disabilities?

Some students come to us with a previous diagnosis such as dyslexia, autism spectrum disorder, or a general learning challenge—and we make a difference for each of them.

 

Some students seek our help to enhance their skills or to just make learning easier—and we do.

 

What about planned vacations?

Let’s talk! We can either work a break into your summer program or conduct sessions online without interrupting your child’s learning momentum.

 

Will it be fun?

Definitely! Our staff is highly skilled to make learning changes in a short period of time. A big part of how we do that is through our positive, energetic, enthusiastic interactions with students of all ages. You will be amazed at how much your child loves learning this summer!

 

 

 

 

To get you started, we are pleased to offer our Learning Ability Evaluation at a special rate of $395 (regularly $875). Contact us to get your questions answered and schedule your child.

 

Double Bay (02) 9328 7119 | Chatswood (02) 9410 1006

 

Find your nearest location – Find My Location.

Lindamood-Bell Learning Camps

Australia, Learning Camps, ,

So far, Lindamood-Bell has taught over 40,000 students to read and comprehend to their potential. We are able to reach students, in part, by bringing our Learning Camps to new communities every year.

 

A Learning Camp is an extension of a Learning Centre that is open 4-12 weeks—enough time to change learning for many students. Just like our Learning Centres, Learning Camps provide the following:  

 

✓ One-to-one instruction that addresses the individual’s learning needs

✓ Daily instruction

✓ Regular progress updates

✓ Parent practice sessions

✓ Professional collaboration/school visits

 

Let’s Create the Magic of Learning in your community.

✓ Spread the word about upcoming events: share social media posts, email invitations, post fliers, and more

✓ Schedule your Learning Ability Evaluation or School Year Check-up

✓ Make sure we have your child’s spot reserved on our schedule

✓ Discuss Lindamood-Bell with your pediatrician, psychologist, or educator—as a resource for their other clients

✓ Help us scout the right location

✓ Lindamood-Bell alumni. . .kindly share your learning success with others!

 

Frequently Asked Questions

When will there be a Learning Camp in our area?

When we have a commitment from a community, we are able to open our doors. Student reservations make this happen.  

 

How do you choose the location of the Learning Camp?

Safety is our first concern when securing a location. Our locations are varied and based on the local insights of our clients and contacts.

 

How can my child receive support during the school year?

Online instruction is available throughout the school year. We can help with the transition back to school with follow-up help or continued daily sensory-cognitive instruction.

 

Who are the instructors at the Learning Camp?

All Lindamood-Bell instructors must pass a rigorous screening and orientation process. Like our Learning Centres, Learning Camps provide genuine Lindamood-Bell instruction that is monitored by our corporate instructional quality team.

 

Contact us to learn more about our instruction or getting a Learning Camp to your community.

 

Double Bay (02) 9328 7119 | Chatswood (02) 9410 1006

 

Come to our Open Day!

All locations are hosting a DREAM BIG for Learning Open Day in Spring of 2018. You’re Invited!

We’d love to show you how we have been creating the Magic of Learning for over 30 years! Find your Open Day HERE.

Get to Know Lindamood-Bell Academy!

Academy, Events, , ,

 

Every child deserves to feel successful and fulfilled in school. At Lindamood-Bell Academy, our unique learning model offers a school experience that is individualized to meet your student’s needs. An accredited K-12 private school, available both in-person and online, Academy creates the magic of learning by developing the imagery-language foundation for success in language processing and success in all curriculum.

 

We meet each student at his or her level, with a team dedicated to their personalized education plan. Our learning model means that students do not work alone, whether in-person or online.

 

Our flexible and differentiated curriculum allows all students to thrive, including:

 

  • Accelerated Learners
  • Learners Who Need a Flexible Environment
  • Students with Challenging Schedules
  • Homeschool Families
  • Students Who Struggle with Reading
  • Students Who Struggle with Comprehension
  • Students Who Have School Anxiety

Watch this short video to get to know our school:

 

 

Find out more at our upcoming Virtual Open House on September 27th, featuring a live Q&A session. Our staff will be available with answers to your questions!

 

A Learning Ability Evaluation Like No Other | Special Savings

Australia, Specials, ,

Our success with students starts with our unique Learning Ability Evaluation. We identify strengths and weaknesses that may be affecting performance in reading, comprehension, and maths.

 

Learning Ability Evaluation

 

  • Evaluation administered in person or online
  • Standardized measures of reading, comprehension, and math
  • Identification of strengths and weaknesses
  • Consultation to explain findings

Learning Skills Measured

 

✔ Sounding Out Words

✔ Spelling

✔ Word Reading

✔ Vocabulary

✔ Reading Comprehension

✔ Following Directions

✔ Paragraph Reading

✔ Math Computation

✔ Maths Story Problem Solving

✔ Oral Language Comprehension

Special Rate

To get you started, we are pleased to offer our Learning Ability Evaluation at a special rate. Rates vary for international locations. Check with your nearest location for details.

 

In-Center and Online Rate

AUS: $565 (regularly $1325)

 

Contact us to schedule your child, Double Bay (02) 9328 7119 | Chatswood (02) 9410 1006. Find a learning center location near you, including many Seasonal Learning Camps: Locations.